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BC-TX--Texas Sports Digest 12 am, TX
Good morning! Here's a look at AP's Texas sports coverage. Questions about coverage plans are welcome and should be directed to the AP Dallas bureau at 972-991-2100, or at 1-800-442-7189. Email aptexas@ap.org. Jill Bleed is at the desk after 5:30 a.m.
Reminder: This information is not for publication or broadcast, and these coverage plans are subject to change. Expected stories may not develop, or late-breaking and more newsworthy events may take precedence. Advisories and digests will keep you up to date. All times are Central.
For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit Coverage Plan at newsroom.ap.org
BAYLOR-SEXUAL ASSAULT INVESTIGATION
WACO, Texas _ A Central Texas jury on Thursday found a former Baylor University football player not guilty of raping another student in 2016, the latest case linked to a scandal that rocked the nation's largest Baptist university and led to the departure of several top leaders. The McLennan County jury deliberated about two hours in Waco before acquitting Shawn Oakman of sexual assault. SENT: 370 words, photos. Moved on general and sports news services.
FBN--COWBOYS-WITTEN'S RETURN
FRISCO, Texas _ Jason Witten said the hardest thing about deciding to retire nine months ago was leaving football without winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. The 36-year-old tight end is giving it another shot. Witten announced Thursday he is coming out of retirement and rejoining the Cowboys after one season as a television analyst. The 11-time Pro Bowler will play on a one-year contract worth about $5 million. By Pro Football Writer Schuyler Dixon. SENT: 860 words, photos.
FBN--DEMARYIUS THOMAS-CRASH
DENVER _ Former Denver Broncos and Houston Texans receiver Demaryius Thomas is facing a felony charge of vehicular assault stemming from a crash earlier this month. Thomas was arrested Wednesday after turning himself in and was also held on allegations of reckless driving and not having proof of insurance, both misdemeanors, police said. He was released from jail Thursday. SENT: 310 words, photos.
FBO--ALLIANCE-MANZIEL
Johnny Manziel is now "available" to the San Antonio Commanders of the Alliance of American Football, the team's general manager said Thursday. That doesn't mean Daryl Johnston plans to sign him. Before acting on Manziel, the Commanders and the new league are looking into why Manziel's contract was terminated by the CFL this week. SENT: 400 words, photos.
BASKETBALL:
BKN--HEAT-ROCKETS
HOUSTON _ James Harden finished with 58 points, 10 assists and seven rebounds as the Houston Rockets rallied from a 21-point third quarter deficit for a 121-118 win over Miami. SENT: 750 words, photos.
_ BKW--T25-TEXAS A&M-KENTUCKY _ Chennedy Carter scored 24 points, Ciera Johnson added 16 points and grabbed 13 rebounds and No. 19 Texas A&M ended No. 11 Kentucky's six-game winning streak with a 62-55 win. SENT: 220 words.
BKC--T25-BIG 12 INTO MARCH
Eddie Sutton took Oklahoma State to the NCAA Final Four, Bill Self and Scott Drew were Big 12 newcomers and George W. Bush was finishing his first four-year term in the White House the last time Kansas didn't at least share a piece of the league's title. That was 2004. Could this really be the year that the Jayhawks' impressive championship streak ends? By Basketball Writer Stephen Hawkins. SENT: 850 words, photos.
_ BKC--TEXAS RIO GRANDE VALLEY-CHICAGO ST _ Javon Levi had 11 points and 10 assists to lead Texas Rio Grande Valley to an 82-77 win over Chicago State. SENT: 200 words.
_ BKC--OLD DOMINION-UTSA _ Ahmad Caver had 13 points and 10 assists as Old Dominion won its first regular-season Conference USA title with a 65-64 victory over UTSA. SENT: 190 words.
_ BKC--TEXAS-ARLINGTON-SOUTH ALABAMA _ Texas-Arlington hit a season-high 15 3-pointers and defeated South Alabama 75-57. Brian Warren led the Mavericks with four 3-pointers. Edric Dennis added four 3-pointers. SENT: 120 words.
_ BKC--TEXAS ST-TROY _ Mason Harrell registered 14 points as Texas State defeated Troy 58-44. SENT: 140 words.
_ BKC--FLORIDA ATLANTIC-NORTH TEXAS _ Richardson Maitre registered 15 points as Florida Atlantic topped North Texas 60-54. SENT: 130 words.
HOCKEY:
HKN--STARS-KINGS
LOS ANGELES _ Roope Hintz scored 3:19 into overtime and the Dallas Stars defeated the Los Angeles Kings 4-3. By Joe Reedy. SENT: 800 words, photos.
SOCCER:
SOC--MLS-SEASON PREVIEW
Major League Soccer embarks this weekend on its 24th season with, appropriately enough, 24 teams. FC Cincinnati joins the league this season, with Nashville and Miami teed up to start next year and Austin coming aboard in 2021. MLS has added 11 teams in the past decade. So it's no wonder Commissioner Don Garber says MLS is still very much "a growth story." By Anne M. Peterson. SENT: 800 words, photos. Moved on national sports new services.
_ Eastern and Western Conference Capsules.
BBA--ASTROS-ALTUVE
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. _ Jose Altuve struck out three times in his second game since offseason knee surgery and will return to second base for the Houston Astros on Saturday. Altuve had surgery just after last season ended to repair a broken right kneecap and had two plate appearances in his spring training debut on Monday. Despite Altuve's 0-for-3 afternoon, Astros manager AJ Hinch was encouraged by Altuve's performance in Houston's 7-5 win over the Miami Marlins on Thursday. By Kristie Rieken. SENT: 460 words, photos.
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